Timebuilding in the States

[Fitnesspilot737]

Can anyone give me some information on this process for an Irish citizen. Do you need an M-1 visa? What about TSA clearance? How long is this process? As far as schools go can anyone reccommend any that are reliable and cheap for cessna 152 or 172? Florida or California. Thanks

[Fitnesspilot737]

Also is it worth it for 2 weeks?

[SweetChariotXV]

Hi,

I have been flying in the States last few years on and off. Last time I was out there was November 09. I have never needed any special visa's, I just filled out the green Visa Waiver form on flight, and customs form.

I think it is only if you are going over there to train that M1 visa comes into play.

As far as flight schools go or clubs to rent from, avoid places like NAC or Orlando Flight Training in Florida. They are all name, and all high costs, with poor equipment! The last couple of years I have used Palm Beach Flight Training. They are pretty good. But like any school, you have to be firm and make sure they don't just switch you to more expensive aircraft without good reason. And if they do, agree the rate first.

Have not rented from Cali, although did a cross country from Florida to California and back which if you have the time, is a great and varied experience. Have rented in Seattle which was brilliant flying. The guys I used there were Northway Aviation, located at Payne Field. Great equipment, although slightly more pricey than what you would pay in Florida. And weather is more unpredictable in that region.

Also wherever you go, make sure the aircraft you have booked has enough hours on it before next check. That is what happened to me, booked the aircraft for 3 weeks flying, got there, and only to find it had something like 10 hours left on it, hence the reason change of plane to more expensive one!

Also last couple of things to beware of with aircraft rental in the US is;

* Sales tax = think it is something like 6.5%, which noone tells you about until you have done your flying and paying you bill! So confirm this with them before you book so you can then include this in your budget.

* Check what each flying schools fuel reimbursement rates are. If they are offering wet prices, then do yourself a favour and check airnav.com, have a look at the general fuel costs at different airports and see if that general cost is cheaper or more than what the school reimburse. If it is more expensive then you will be paying more for fuel when you top up.

* Paying by cash = When I have suggested I can pay in cash, especially at Palm Beach Flight Training, they gave me 5% off. Mention to them when booking if they provide discount on cash payment.

Good luck.

Cheers, SC

[SeattlePilot]

SweetChariotXV,
next time in Seattle give us a call. We are cheaper than Northway and not so far as Paine Field.

[SweetChariotXV]

next time in Seattle give us a call. We are cheaper than Northway and not so far as Paine Field

Sounds good. What is your company called and which airfield are you located at?

[Fitnesspilot737]

Thanks for the info guys

[CLAUDE-CPS]

If you are coming out to California to time build, consider us at Career Pilot School! We have a well maintained fleet located in Lakeport, California. PM me if you would like more details!